Chicago Cubs Vs Colorado Rockies: Pre-Game Notes, Lineup, and TV Info

The Chicago Cubs take the field today in an effort to try and win the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Brooks Raley looked impressive again on Saturday, but unfortunately, it was not enough for the Cubs to gain the victory over the Colorado Rockies. Raley pitched five innings in his start against the Rockies on Saturday allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 base on balls. Raley may not be a dominating pitcher, but he certainly has the appearance of an intelligent starting pitcher. After he struggled in his first Major League start against the San Diego Padres, Raley has looked impressive against the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies in his following three starts.

Center fielder Brett Jackson is also heating up. After hitting a home run on Friday,  Jackson went 2 for 3 on Saturday that included a double and a two-run home run. It is clear that Jackson is beginning to make adjustments at the plate, and that has resulted in the center field having better at bats and beginning to show the extra base power that he had in the Minor Leagues.

Jackson looks to continue his success against the Rockies as the Cubs try to take the series with a victory over Colorado on Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Broadcast Information

• Television: WGN
• Radio: WGN Radio 720 AM
• Game time: 1:20 PM

Starting Lineup

1. David DeJesus, Right Field
2. Luis Valbuena, Third Base
3. Anthony Rizzo First Base
4. Alfonso Soriano, Left Field
5. Starlin Castro, Shortstop
6. Steve Clevenger, Catcher
7. Brett Jackson, Center Field
8. Darwin Barney, Second Base
9. Chris Volstad, Starting Pitcher

Pre-Game Notes

• One would have to wonder how much longer Cubs’ manager Dale Sveum will continue to pencil Volstad in the lineup every five days. Volstad hasn’t won a Major League Baseball game since July of 2011, and the starting pitcher has yet to look impressive during his time with the Cubs this season. Chris Rusin will likely be promoted to the Cubs once again in September, and if Volstad struggles in his start today, could it be possible that Rusin takes his spot in the starting rotation?
• There was a report by Bruce Levine on Saturday that suggested Bob Brenly is likely to leave the Cubs’ booth when his television contract expires at the conclusion of the series, however, Brenly refuted that report today on “Hit and Run” on 670 The Score AM. Brenly indicated that it was very likely that he will be returning to the Cubs’ booth next season. It seems like it is not a Cubs’ off-season if the question of Brenly leaving the television booth for the Cubs does not come up. I have grown very fond of the broadcast team of Brenly and Len Kasper, and hope to see the pair continue their work for the Cubs for many years to come.